Cox, Chappelle sign with MSU

December 19, 2012

The Mississippi State football team is going to need some wide receivers and defensive backs in 2013.

On Wednesday, the Bulldogs got one of each, courtesy of the junior college ranks.

Defensive back Justin Cox and wide receiver Jeremy Chappelle both signed with MSU.

Both had committed to the Bulldogs earlier this month, but made it official on Wednesday.

"I'm very excited," MSU head coach Dan Mullen said after Wednesday's bowl practice. "Justin Cox, an All-American defensive back, signed with us a couple of years ago. You look at those young guys and I'm very proud of him. Here it is a year and a half later, and he took care of his business. He did what he needed to do, not just on the football field, but in the classroom. We are very happy to have him back in the fold.

"Jeremy Chappelle is a receiver. (When) you look at our receiver depth chart and the defensive backfield, there are a lot of guys leaving. The receiver position with five seniors, it's huge for us to get guys to coming in (during) the spring to help make a contribution."

Cox spent the last two seasons at East Mississippi Community College. He played his high school football at West Point. He signed with MSU in 2011.

"It is just a great feeling (Wednesday) and I feel good about my decision," the 6-foot-2, 185-pound Cox told Bulldawgs 247 on Wednesday. "There was no doubt in my mind (Wednesday) and I felt this was the best decision for me. Alabama tried hard here lately and at one time, it was a close call, but I just felt at home with Mississippi State mainly due to my strong bond with the coaches and players."

He had 11 interceptions and 19 pass-breakups during his career in Scooba.
Cox also had offers from Alabama, Georgia, Texas A&M, Nebraska, Ole Miss and Oklahoma State.

Chappelle always wanted to play in the Southeastern Conference. The Tyler (Texas) Community College receiver made that dream a reality.

"It was a very special day when I put that pen to the paper," Chappelle told Bulldawgs 247 on Wednesday. "That part of my life is beginning and everything else is behind me. No longer is recruiting on my mind and now I can just focus on football. A dream became a reality (Wednesday) and now it is time for me to start preparing for the best."

The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Chappelle, had 60 catches for 801 yards and nine scores this past season.

Chappelle had offers from West Virginia, Houston, Hawaii and Southern Miss.